From seeing Renaissance marvels to eating gelato, here are 9 things to do in Florence, Italy

Imagine a place with hundreds of years of history, a food scene worth flying to Europe for, and Renaissance gems that can turn anybody into an architecture lover. That’s Florence for you, and the best of the city is yours to explore on our Florence tours! Read on for nine of the top things to do in Florence, Italy.

1. See all sides of Piazza del Duomo

Wondering what to do in Florence, Italy? Start here. The city’s UNESCO-listed historic center plays host to this famous piazza, where Renaissance-era grandeur reigns. It could be considered one of the most touristy parts of the city, but it’s also one of the most stunning. “I woke up early to walk through Piazza del Duomo before the day started, and it was amazing to see the cathedral in the morning light without the big crowds,” said staffer Jamie after her time on our Venice, Florence & Rome tour.

Florence, Italy, attractions in Piazza del Duomo:

• Florence’s Duomo, formally known as Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore. Every marble-covered side of this sprawling icon is dreamy, and Brunelleschi’s famous dome is the figurative cherry on top.
• Giotto’s Campanile. Climbing to the top of this bell tower during free time is one of our top six unique experiences to have in Florence that go beyond the Italian guidebook. It’s the best way to get a frame-worthy photo of the Duomo, the surrounding city, and the Tuscan countryside.
• The Baptistery of Saint John. Be sure to take a good look at the detailed bronze doors known as the Gates of Paradise, which were created by sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti in the 15th century.

2. Marvel at masterpieces inside the Uffizi Gallery

The Accademia Gallery, the Bargello Museum, Pitti Palace—museums are surely some of the top Florence, Italy, attractions. Even amongst those renowned institutions, the Uffizi rises to the top. It’s the second-most visited museum in all of Italy—second only to the Vatican Museum in Rome. Looking to explore some of its treasures? Your best bet is to book tickets in advance and give yourself a few hours to really enjoy it. “It’s a quick walk from most hotels, and it’s right on the river,” said staffer Emily while sharing tips about visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. “So, when you’re done, you can grab a bite to eat or go out to the Ponte Vecchio to do some people-watching.”

Wonders to seek out inside the Uffizi:

• Some of the most famous works by Botticelli, including “The Birth of Venus” and “Primavera”
• Michelangelo’s circular painting of the Holy Family, titled “Doni Tondo,” which is one of the museum’s highlights
• Da Vinci’s unfinished “Adoration of the Magi,” which you’ll find in a climate-controlled room
• Three of Caravaggio’s most famous paintings: “The Sacrifice of Isaac,” “Bacchus,” and one of the most sought-after paintings in the entire museum, “Medusa”

3. Soak up 700 years of history at the Ponte Vecchio

One of the top things to do in Florence, Italy, is lay eyes on the city’s oldest bridge, which has spanned the Arno River since 1346. In fact, it’s the only bridge in Florence that wasn’t destroyed by the Germans during World War II. This Medieval marvel has earned a top spot in our Florence Travel Guide and has two levels: The top one connects the Uffizi and Pitti Palace on opposite sides of the river, and the bottom one’s got gold. Lots of it. To be more specific, the city’s finest (and priciest) jewelry stores are found here, and even if buying isn’t your thing, window shopping is always a treat.

The best ways to enjoy the Ponte Vecchio:

• To start: Simply walk over it! This pedestrian-only bridge is usually packed with visitors, but stepping into its history is a must. Our tip: Time it right and go in the early morning or at night, when the area is less crowded.
• Soak up scenic views of the Arno River. Grab a panini from nearby All’Antico Vinaio (“The sandwiches are unmatched,” said staffer Everett), and watch rowers make their way down the river.
• Take a sunset stroll in view of the bridge. The shops on the Ponte Vecchio are illuminated at night, and the lights’ reflection in the river makes for a pretty picture, indeed.

4. Cross over to the Oltrarno neighborhood

Florence, Italy, attractions are a dime a dozen in the historic center, but there’s even more in store across the Arno. There, you’ll find the Oltrarno neighborhood, where local life takes center stage. This area has charm galore and is the place to see how history mingles with daily life—and to get away from the larger crowds in the main part of Florence. Step into a slower pace as you explore artisan workshops, local boutiques, authentic restaurants, student-filled piazzas, and Medici stomping grounds.

What to do in the Oltrarno neighborhood:

• Step into Medici history at Palazzo Pitti, where a private art collection awaits.
• Stroll past sprawling greenery in the Boboli Gardens, sitting pretty just outside the palace. “The gardens themselves were beautiful, and a lovely respite from the crowded city,” said staffer Jamie. “I walked around for a couple hours and I don’t think I was even close to seeing it all—it’s huge! I’d love to go back to Florence one day to explore more.”
• Visit Piazza Santo Spirito, where markets, restaurants, live music, a fountain, and a historic basilica make it a you-can-find-anything-here spot.
• Stroll down the wisteria-lined walkway of Villa Bardini and explore the garden, which is usually quieter than the Boboli Gardens.
• Grab a slice from Gusta Pizza, a must-mention on any neighborhood guide to the Oltrarno.

5. Tuck into traditional Tuscan cuisine every chance you get

One of the best things to do in Florence, Italy? Eat! We’re not just saying that—the food scene in Florence is truly a notch above the rest. Here, traditional, hearty meals made from local ingredients allow fresh Tuscan flavors to shine. In fact, cafes, trattorias, and restaurants are some of the top attractions in Florence, Italy. Find out what and where to eat if you’re looking for the best food in Florence, and be ready to dig in.

Flavors to savor on tour in Florence:

• Ribollita, a traditional bread-and-veggie soup. This dish is perfect for any chilly day in Firenze.
• Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a grilled T-bone steak made from prized Chianina beef, cooked rare. It’s a splurge, but this regional staple can be shared among a couple people, and it truly is delicious.
• Gelato, gelato, gelato. To help you find the best, we tapped an Italian Tour Director to hear about the top places to get gelato in Florence.
• Thirsty? Check out our guide to wine windows in Florence, and grab a glass of vino from these traditional watering holes. You can never go wrong with a glass of Chianti Classico!

6. Shop for goodies at local markets

Remember what we said about Florence’s food? Yep, it’s worth another mention, and is one of the reasons why markets are some of the top Florence, Italy, attractions. You’ll find both Florentines and visitors eyeing daily groceries, Tuscan wines, artisanal cheeses, and the reddest tomatoes you’ve ever seen (depending on the season, of course). Many markets also sell leather goods and other handmade souvenirs, so you can get your eating-and-shopping fix in one place.

Florentine markets to seek out:

• Mercato San Lorenzo, where all things leather are up for grabs. “San Lorenzo is one of the best places to visit in Florence for the real deal,” said staffer Sally. “I purchased a blue leather wallet that I adore.”
• Mercato Centrale, a food-lover’s paradise that’s part of the larger San Lorenzo Market. Go to this indoor market for everything from cured meats and truffle oil to pastries and fresh produce.
• Mercato Sant’Ambrogio, an indoor-outdoor market in Piazza Ghiberti. It’s more off-the-trodden-tourist path than other markets and offers an even more authentic shopping experience.

7. Attend an opera during your free time

Luciano Pavarotti, Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini—the opera singers and composers who hail from Italy are in a league of their own, so seeking out your own musical moment in Florence is more than fitting. In fact, Florence is considered the birthplace of opera. In the late-1500s, a group of artists called the Florentine Camerata set their minds to recreating Greek dramas, and the marriage of music and dramatic storytelling emerged. The very first opera, Dafne by Jacopo Peri, hit the stage here in 1597, so we’re not kidding when we say Florence’s operatic roots go deep.

Where to go to get in on the opera scene:

• St. Mark’s Anglican Church, which is built inside a former Medici palace. The acoustics, intimate setting, and renovated neo-Renaissance interior make for a memorable musical experience, indeed.
• Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, often called Opera di Firenze. This vast, modern concert hall is about a 15-minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station, and it plays host to the annual Maggio Musicale Fiorentino music festival. Another plus? It’s in a lesser-visited part of Florence, so you can see another side of the city while you’re there.

8. Soak up panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo

For a postcard-worthy view of Florence’s skyline, Piazzale Michelangelo is the place to go. “The piazzale itself is nothing spectacular, save for a huge, bronze cast of ‘The David’ at its center,” said staffer Jamie. “But the panoramic view of Florence below is unbelievable. Of course, getting to that vantage point meant we were in for a bit of a hike—when I checked my steps later that day, it logged 54 flights of stairs.” If you’d rather skip the strenuous activity, you can always opt to take the bus or a taxi!

How to make the most of your visit:

• Go during sunrise or sunset for dreamy, golden-hour views of Florence.
• Bring a bottle of wine and something to nosh on so you can sip while you savor the panorama. This was one of staffer Julia’s favorite travel memories from Florence.
• Stop at the Giardino delle Rose on your way up—this rose garden also offers unbelievable views of Florence!

9. Discover Florence’s street art and sculptures

If you’re wondering what to do in Florence once you’ve crossed everything else off this list, take it from staffer Wesley: “The best advice I can offer is to simply soak up the city,” he said. “There’s a little bit of history and a few surprises around every corner.” You can find something to do in Florence no matter where you wander. The entire city is dotted with historic statues, Renaissance remnants, and even contemporary street art, and strolling around is your ticket to uncovering unexpected marvels.

What to look for as you walk around Florence:

• Keep your eyes peeled for tabernacles, small building niches that display frescoes or statues, which are often found in the most ordinary places. Seeking out these 13th- and 14th-century remnants on cooler days is one of our top reasons to visit Florence in the fall.
• Make a beeline for the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air sculpture gallery in the 13th-century Piazza della Signoria. There are pieces from Roman antiquity, a bronze called “Perseus with the Head of Medusa,” a nearby Fountain of Neptune, and more.
• Look for contemporary posters and paintings, including works by a mystery artist called Blub—who creates depictions of famous figures in scuba masks—and quirky street signs by Clet Abraham, one of Florence’s most famous current artists.

Have you been to Florence, Italy? Get inspired by the many things to do in the city, and explore Florence tours today!